Ukraine's Dy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova seeks India’s support

New Delhi: Ukraine's First Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova Monday said the unprovoked war unleashed by Russia on her country is not about NATO or United States but about justice.

“India is truly a Vishwaguru. Ukraine is fighting for its values and justice. Russia is questioning the very existence of my country. In 1,500 years of our history, Ukraine never attacked any other country. We are the victim of the unprovoked war,” Dzhaparova told reporters after her meeting with Secretary West Sanjay Verma outside the Ministry of External Affairs.

Asked about her comments on India importing oil from Russia, Dzhaparova said, “Ukraine is not in a position to instruct India on its economic ties with other countries. However, India should be pragmatic in diversifying its energy resources, military contracts and political interactions. PM Modi's policy of democracy, dialogue, diversity, "no era of war" and strategic application is really important. I expect Ukraine and India will come closer in many ways.” 

Pleased to have a meeting with Secretary (West) MFA @SanjayVermalFS  in New Delhi. Updated on #Ukraine’s efforts to fight #russian unprovoked aggression. Invited India to join President Zelenskyy's #PeaceFormula & #GrainFromUkraine initiative. Important to have #India on board. pic.twitter.com/v8ere2Mwex

— Emine Dzheppar (@EmineDzheppar) April 10, 2023

Earlier, Dzhaparova tweeted that supporting Ukraine is the only right choice for true Vishwaguru.

Happy to visit India-the land that gave birth to many sages,saints&gurus. Today, #India wants to be the Vishwaguru,the global teacher and arbiter. In our case, we’ve got a very clear picture:aggressor against innocent victim.Supporting Ukraine is the only right choice for true Vishwaguru.

— Emine Dzheppar (@EmineDzheppar) April 10, 2023

Dzhaparova is on a four-day visit to India starting Sunday, the first official visit from the East European country since the Russian invasion began last year.

Also read: Is Modi working to end the Russia-Ukraine war before the G20 summit?

Since the Ukraine conflict began in February last year, Prime Minister Modi spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin as well as Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy a number of times.

In a phone conversation with President Zelenskyy on October 4 last year, Modi said there can be "no military solution" and that India is ready to contribute to any peace efforts.

India has not yet condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and it has been maintaining that the crisis must be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue.